Nutrients to know about when hair is falling

Hair follicles need adequate protein and a range of vitamins and minerals to make and maintain hair fibres. Low intake, restricted eating, illness, or problems absorbing food can affect the growth cycle. Hair may then shed more noticeably after the underlying change, rather than immediately.

Taking extra nutrients without a confirmed need can be unhelpful and may cause side effects or interfere with other medicines. Hair fall can also reflect inherited pattern loss, patchy immune-related loss, scalp infection, repeated pulling, or Telogen Effluvium after a physical or emotional strain. The symptom itself does not identify one cause.

Review whether meals regularly include protein-rich foods, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid crash dieting and tell a clinician about vegan eating, heavy menstrual bleeding, stomach symptoms, recent surgery, or medicines that affect appetite or absorption.

A clinician can examine the scalp and decide whether blood tests or other checks are appropriate. Do not start high-dose iron, vitamin A, selenium, or combination hair products on guesswork. Gentle washing, limiting tight hairstyles, and reducing harsh chemical or heat treatments can reduce additional breakage while the cause is clarified.

Arrange a medical assessment if shedding is persistent, rapidly increasing, or accompanied by bald patches, scalp pain, marked scaling, redness, or broken hairs. Scalp Ringworm needs specific treatment, while traction can worsen if tension continues. Seek prompt care for hair loss with severe fatigue, unexplained weight change, fainting, or other new body symptoms.

Ask which pattern your examination suggests, whether a nutrient deficiency is plausible, which tests would change treatment, and whether a supplement could interact with your medicines. Discuss whether inherited loss such as Male Pattern Hair Loss or Female Pattern Hair Loss needs a separate plan.